The Impossible Astronaut – The Doctor

So this is a series that I have been working on for a while. And if you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’d know how unusual that is for me. I’m usually done and done fast on any painting.

I started the triptych at the end of January. And I paused it because it wasn’t coming together. You can see the first pics and read actual words here.

Then I decided to revisit it and paint River Song’s painting. And that one isn’t done yet but you can see the story so far here. I will be revisiting her painting shortly.

But one of the things I know is to put a painting aside when it’s not working. There’s no point struggling, and too much potential for damage, when continuing. So I decided to work on the Doctor’s painting instead. I already know I can paint Eleven and his distinctive face.

I already know that I love his energy.

I already liked the bones of this particular painting so damn much.

As a refresher, this is where I left off (above).

Things that were going wrong included a colour scheme that was too subtle and blended for me. I don’t do subtle. And apparently I don’t blend.

Apparently lots of things blend but not me.

So first steps included adjusting the existing colours and kick the painting in a new direction. Knock back the sky. Darken up the black areas. Really punch the painting and make it feel fresh.

And for a fun change of pace…go with red next. I’m not sure I’ve ever done that before.

Right about here, I was dying. This painting was coming together as though it were painting itself. Pieces like that are a complete gift. An endorphin high. And smooth. Like everything in the universe has aligned.